Needle, Agani – Terumo

Description

A medical needle is a thin, sharp, and hollow instrument used in various medical procedures for injecting fluids into or withdrawing them from the body. Medical needles are commonly used for injections, drawing blood, delivering medications, and administering vaccines.

Key Features of a Medical Needle:

1. Material:
   • Made from stainless steel or other strong, corrosion-resistant metals to ensure durability, sharpness, and sterility.
2. Gauge:
   • The size of the needle is determined by its gauge (abbreviated as “G”), which refers to the diameter of the needle’s bore (the hollow interior). A higher gauge number indicates a thinner needle, while a lower gauge number indicates a thicker needle. Common gauges range from 18G (thicker) to 30G (thinner).
3. Length:
   • Needles come in various lengths, typically ranging from 0.5 inches (13 mm) to 1.5 inches (38 mm), depending on the purpose of use (e.g., intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous injections).
4. Bevel:
   • The bevel refers to the angled tip of the needle, which is designed to minimize pain upon insertion and allow smooth penetration of the skin or vein.
5. Sterility:
   • Medical needles are sterile and typically individually packaged to prevent contamination. They are single-use to reduce the risk of infection and disease transmission.
6. Hub:
   • The hub is the base of the needle, which connects to a syringe or intravenous (IV) tubing. The hub is often color-coded to indicate the gauge size.

Types of Medical Needles:

1. Hypodermic Needles:
   • Used for injecting substances under the skin or into veins, arteries, or muscles. Hypodermic needles are the most common type and are used for administering medications, vaccines, or drawing blood.
2. Intravenous (IV) Needles:
   • Designed for direct insertion into veins to deliver fluids, medications, or blood products. These needles are often used in conjunction with IV catheters.
3. Insulin Needles:
   • Thin and short needles designed for insulin injections in diabetic patients. They are typically 28G-31G in size and less painful due to their fine gauge.
4. Spinal Needles:
   • Long, fine needles used for administering anesthesia or medications into the spinal canal during procedures such as spinal anesthesia or lumbar punctures.
5. Butterfly Needles (Winged Infusion Needles):
   • Small, flexible needles with plastic “wings” for easier insertion and stabilization. They are commonly used for blood draws, especially in patients with small or delicate veins.
6. Suture Needles:
   • Not hollow, but sharp needles designed for suturing (stitching) wounds or surgical incisions. They are used to pass suture material through tissues.

Uses of Medical Needles:

1. Injection of Medications and Vaccines:
   • Medical needles are used to administer medications, vaccines, or anesthetics through various routes, including intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), and subcutaneous (SC) injections.
2. Blood Collection:
   • Needles are used to draw blood samples from veins (venipuncture) for diagnostic testing, transfusions, or other medical purposes.
3. Fluid Infusion:
   • Needles connected to IV lines are used to deliver fluids, electrolytes, or blood products directly into the bloodstream.
4. Anesthesia Delivery:
   • Special needles are used for injecting local or regional anesthetics in procedures like epidurals or spinal blocks.
5. Biopsy and Aspiration:
   • Medical needles can be used to remove tissue samples (biopsy) or fluids (aspiration) from organs or masses for diagnostic purposes.
6. Suturing:
   • In surgical settings, suture needles are used to stitch wounds or surgical incisions.

Safety Features:

1. Safety Needles:
   • Many needles come with built-in safety mechanisms, such as retractable needles or shields, which cover the sharp tip after use. These features are designed to prevent accidental needlestick injuries.
2. Single Use:
   • Medical needles are single-use and disposable, meaning they should be discarded in a sharps container after use to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infectious diseases.

Risks and Considerations:

1. Needlestick Injuries:
   • Accidental needlestick injuries can occur, especially for healthcare workers. This poses a risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis or HIV.
2. Pain and Discomfort:
   • Injections and blood draws can cause pain or discomfort, although the degree depends on the needle size, location, and the patient’s pain tolerance.
3. Infection:
   • Improper use or re-use of needles can lead to infections at the injection site or systemic infections. Sterile techniques and proper disposal are critical.
4. Allergic Reactions:
   • Some patients may have allergic reactions to the material of the needle or the medication being injected, so care must be taken to monitor for adverse effects.

Conclusion:

A medical needle is a crucial tool in healthcare used for various procedures, including injections, blood draws, fluid infusions, and biopsies. Available in different gauges and lengths, these needles are designed for specific medical tasks. They play an essential role in patient care, but proper handling, sterility, and disposal are critical to prevent complications like infections or needlestick injuries.